Is a Generic Version of LoSeasonique Available?
LoSeasonique® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription contraceptive product. It is one of the many
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills) available. It is both a low-dose birth control pill and an extended-cycle birth control pill. Women who take LoSeasonique will have fewer periods (one every four months).
LoSeasonique is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. No generic versions of this medication are available at this time.
When Will Generic LoSeasonique Be Available?
Duramed holds the exclusive rights to market LoSeasonique until at least October 2011. This is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of LoSeasonique could become available.
However, other circumstances could come up to extend the exclusivity period beyond 2011. This could include such things as new patents for specific
LoSeasonique uses or lawsuits between drug manufacturers. Once the medication goes off-patent, several companies likely will begin manufacturing generic LoSeasonique products.
Will My Insurance Cover LoSeasonique?
Each insurance company is different. There has been a long history of insurance companies not covering contraceptive products, although this is slowly beginning to change. More and more insurances are beginning to cover contraceptives. Because LoSeasonique is not available in a generic form, you may have to pay a higher co-payment.
Unfortunately, there is a trend for insurance companies to "cover" birth control pills even though the co-payment is just as high as the full price, which allows them to claim they cover birth control pills and avoid problems with some state laws without actually having to pay for the medications.
